Native Plants

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A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
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Saturday - July 01, 2006
From: Oldsmar, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Care of non-native Mandevilla
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have purchased 2 Red Riding Hood Mandevilla's. The tag on it says it blooms spring to frost, full sun, ave size is 8 feet tall & spreading. I live in the Tampa FL area. Does this plant grow as a shrub or does it need something to help it climb, like a vine?ANSWER:
Our interest and expertise at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is in plants native to North America. Red Riding Hood Mandevilla (Mandevilla splendens or Dipladenia spendens or Dipladenia sanderi) is a native of Brazil and isn't really in our purview. However, we can guide you to more information on the care of your plant. It is a woody vine and does need something to climb on.More Non-Natives Questions
Yellowing leaves on non-native Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
July 03, 2006 - I purchased a chinese hibiscus hiros small tree and after 1 month the leaves keep turning yellow. What's wrong? It's in a large pot and never outside below 60 degrees. Thanks.
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Non-native wedelia and dayflower in Lihue HI
September 03, 2009 - I have wedelia as ground covering, day flower or commelinaceae takes over. What can I use or spray to rid myself of the day flower problem?
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Nativity of Myrospermum sousanum
June 13, 2007 - I bought a Myrospermum sousanum (Arroyo Sweetwood) at the Antique Rose Emporium in San Antonio. I see where it is listed as a Texas native on several web sites, but I could not find a reference on the...
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Growing kudzu in Las Vegas NV
April 18, 2013 - Hi Mr. Smarty Plants,
I have a question about a known invasive species that I know you advise against, but I feel my situation may be different enough that it's worth asking about. Yes, I'm talk...
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Are dusty millers perennial in Dubuque, IA?
April 24, 2009 - I have dusty millers in my front yard. Last fall I did nothing with them as I wasn't sure if they will return or not. Do the dusty millers continue to grow year after year and should I cut them dow...
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